GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
F-35 derivative pitched against Boeing's EA-18 in tussle for USAir Force decision
A derivative of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has emerged as a contender to replace the Northrop Grumman EA-6B as the US Department of Defense (DoD) nears a decision on its future electronic attack (EA) force.
Backed by the US Marine Corps, the "EA-JSF" is in competition with Boeing's EA-18 electronic-attack derivative of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, thought to be the US Navy's preferred solution. Restarting production of the EA-6 is a third option. A DoD decision is expected in early June.
The DoD's electronic-attack analysis of alternatives, completed late last year, identified the need for a "core" asset to provide stand-off support jamming and a "stand-in" asset to get close and destroy the threat if necessary. The EA-6, EA-18 and EA-JSF are candidate core assets.
Lockheed Martin is offering short- and long-term solutions based on the F-35. The interim aircraft would carry the ALQ-99 jamming pods used by the EA-6B, tied into the F-35's electronic-warfare system to avoid the need for a dedicated receiver. This aircraft could be available by 2011, says JSF derivatives manager Dave Jeffreys.
Longer term, electronic attack could be integrated into the low-observable F-35's multi-mission capabilities. This "transformational" aircraft could be available by 2014, if development of the required transmitter and aperture technology begins within the next couple of years, he says. The EA-JSF could carry ALQ-99 pods on one underfuselage and four underwing pylons, leaving the internal bays free for weapons, Jeffreys says.
Alternatively, a mix of pods, weapons and tanks could be carried externally. The electronic-attack variant would be based on the Block 2 F-35.
The biggest uncertainty facing the EA-JSF proposal is whether the electronic-attack mission requires two crew members, as there is no two-seater in the current F-35 programme. Jeffreys says a two-seat aircraft could be flown by mid-2007, allowing an EA-JSF initial operational capability in 2011.
F-35 partner BAE Systems has designed a two-seat forward fuselage that does not reduce fuel capacity or disrupt manufacturing, says Jeffreys. The tandem cockpit will fit on the US Navy's carrier-capable F-35, but making a two-seat version of the US Marine Corps' short take-off and vertical landing variant is "almost impossible", he says. The US Navy wants a two-seater, but the US Marine Corps wants to know how much capability would be available from a single-seater, he says.
Boeing's EA-18 is based on the two-seat F/A-18F, also carrying ALQ-99 pods, but with the EA-8B's latest ICAP III receiver repackaged into a removable pallet in the gun bay. Boeing is much further along in risk reduction, and could begin deliveries in 2008, when the US Navy aims to begin replacing its EA-6Bs.
Boeing has conducted F/A-18F flight tests with the pods fitted and is about to begin electromagnetic-compatibility chamber testing. The company is developing concepts for how the EA-18 would operate with unmanned combat air vehicles as the stand-in assets. Boeing is also reviving its original concept of an all-new electronic-attack "super pod" as a long-term solution.
The US Air Force, meanwhile, seems willing to let the US Navy and Marine Corps battle over which aircraft should be the electronic-attack core asset. The USAF's priority is to equip the Boeing B-52H with a low-band jammer pod to protect Lockheed Martin F-117 stealth fighters against emerging threats.
Source: Flight International
